Adhiambo was diagnosed with stage one uterine cancer seven months ago, marking the beginning of a tumultuous journey.
Adhiambo experienced temporary blindness and paralysis during her treatment.
“I couldn’t see or walk,” she recalled. But while undergoing treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Adhiambo said to herself “I cannot die, I am past that”.
During the Cancer Survivor’s Day at JOOTRH, Adhiambo and other warriors were treated to manicures and pedicures, as healthcare providers and supporters gathered to celebrate their resilience and triumph.
For Adhiambo, the day was a welcome respite from the gruelling reality of treatment. It also served as a reminder of how far she has come.
Thanks to the specialised care at JOOTRH, her sight and mobility were restored, a victory that bolstered her resolve to fight on.
“I used to say cancer ni ugonjwa mbaya (cancer is a bad disease). But I’ve overcome my fears and gained courage through this experience.”
Today, the cancer has been reduced to one percent.
The student at Migori Institute of Science and Technology dreams of becoming a social worker to give back to society and inspire others navigating life’s hardships.
Her family’s support has been crucial to her recovery.
“They’ve been with me every step of the way.”
As she continues her journey, Adhiambo hopes to use her experience to encourage others to face life’s challenges with courage and optimism.
“This is not the end,” she said with a smile.
“It’s only the beginning of a new chapter.”
Her story underscores the need for early detection and efficient healthcare systems, which is why the launch of the Kisumu County Cancer Epidemiology Dashboard is a game-changer.
The tool, developed by Prof Thomas Odeny of Washington University in St Louis, in collaboration with Dr Fiona Adagi, head of JOOTRH’s cancer department, promises to transform tracking and management of cancer cases.
Health CEC Dr Gregory Ganda and Dr Angela Mc Ligeyo supported the team. During the launch, Ganda highlighted the dashboard’s potential.
“This tool shows data for all cancer patients seen at JOOTRH from 2013 to date,” he explained.
“By analysing trends from 2013 to the present, we can make data-driven decisions to improve patient outcomes.”
The dashboard, which anonymises patient data, reveals critical insights and gaps in cancer care.
“Of the 3,916 cancer cases recorded over the last decade, cervical cancer is the most prevalent, followed by esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.”
The tool also highlights a troubling statistic: 48 per cent of breast cancer patients fail to return for follow-up care.
Ganda attributed this to late-stage presentations and systemic challenges.
The dashboard’s geographic data reveals that while most patients come from Kisumu, nearly a quarter travel from neighbouring Siaya county.
This, noted Dr Ganda, will inform decisions on
where to establish future screening sites and clinics.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who officially launched
the dashboard, called it a symbol of innovation and
collaboration.
